Somalia has officially granted a license to SpaceX’s Starlink, enabling the satellite internet service provider to operate across the country. The announcement, made by Elon Musk via a post on X and confirmed by Somalia’s National Communications Authority (NCA), marks a significant step toward enhancing internet access in one of Africa’s least connected nations, particularly in remote and underserved regions.
In a ceremony held in the capital, Mogadishu and attended by government officials and representatives from Starlink, Somalia’s Minister of Communications and Technology, Mohamed Adan Moalin, welcomed Starlink’s entry, saying it aligns with the government’s long-term vision.
“We are pleased to welcome Starlink to our country. This step supports our goal of ensuring all Somalis, wherever they are, have access to affordable and far-reaching internet services,” the minister said.
The approval positions Somalia as the latest African country to embrace Space X low-earth-orbit satellite technology, following recent authorisations in Niger in March 2025 and Liberia in January 2025.
Africa accounts for the lowest Internet penetration rate globally, with only about 40% of its 1.3 billion people online. Starlink’s entry into Somalia is, thus, expected to bridge critical connectivity gaps.
“We hope Starlink will increase the quality of the existing internet in Somalia and make the internet service reach more remote areas,” a Somali government official said.
Somalia, a nation of about 17 million people, has long grappled with limited internet infrastructure. While the country benefits from several undersea internet cables, including the Eastern Africa Submarine Cable System (EASSy) and the Djibouti Africa Regional Express (DARE1), terrestrial networks often fail to reach rural and nomadic communities.
Starlink’s satellite-based service, which beams high-speed internet from a constellation of over 6,750 satellites, offers a solution by bypassing the need for extensive ground infrastructure. According to a 2025 CNET review, Starlink’s typical download speeds range from 50 to 250 Mbps, with Musk himself reporting speeds up to 100 Mbps on the Mini version, a portable device designed for mobility.
Starlink finally in Somalia after years of negotiations
The licensing follows years of negotiations. As early as May 2023, Somali officials met with Starlink representatives to discuss operational approval. The agreement is seen as a “big win for connectivity in Africa”, with experts expressing optimism about the service’s potential to transform communication, education, and economic opportunities in the country.
The Somalia rollout aligns with SpaceX’s broader mission to expand global internet access. The company, valued as the world’s most valuable private enterprise, serves over 5 million customers worldwide, according to a 2025 Guardian report. In Africa, Starlink operates in countries including Nigeria, Kenya, and Rwanda, with plans for further expansion.
Meanwhile, Starlink’s high costs, $80 per month for the Residential Lite plan and $120 for the standard Residential plan, per CNET, may limit accessibility for many Somalis, where the average annual income is below $500, according to World Bank data.
Globally, Starlink has faced regulatory hurdles. In South Africa, for instance, the service remains unavailable due to disputes over Black ownership requirements, which Musk has called discriminatory. Somalia’s relatively swift approval suggests a more pragmatic approach, possibly driven by the urgent need for connectivity in a country recovering from decades of conflict and instability.
For many Somalis, the promise of reliable internet could unlock new possibilities. In urban centres like Mogadishu and Hargeisa, businesses may benefit from faster communication and access to global markets. In rural areas, where mobile penetration is low, Starlink could support telemedicine, online education, and digital banking, sectors that have lagged due to connectivity barriers.
“This is a game-changer for places where even a phone signal is a luxury,” said Abdi Farah, a tech entrepreneur in Garowe, in an interview with Business Insider Africa.
As Starlink prepares to roll out services, questions remain about implementation timelines and affordability. SpaceX has not disclosed specific launch dates for Somalia or details on potential subsidies for low-income users. Still, the government’s endorsement signals a commitment to modernisation and a new era of digital inclusion even as the country it navigates security and economic challenges.
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